Stokes to return for Cats

Forward Mathew Stokes is set to be rushed straight back into Geelong's AFL side this week after serving his suspension for drug possession.

Stokes' appearance for the Cats' VFL side on Sunday effectively brought to an end his banishment from the seniors.

Geelong suspended Stokes, 25, from playing in the the first seven AFL rounds this year after he was charged by police in February for possessing and trafficking cocaine.

He last month pleaded guilty to the possession charge and was put on a 12-month good behaviour bond and fined $3,000, free to continue his AFL career as the trafficking charge was dropped.

Speaking after Geelong thrashed Sydney by 67 points in Sunday's AFL game, coach Mark Thompson said he was keen for Stokes to return against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night at the Gabba.

"We want to support him and we want to find every opportunity to get him in," Thompson said.

"He's been away for a while, too long."

Stokes has been in good form in the VFL since returning to second-tier football and Thompson revealed the forward had addressed his senior team-mates when he resumed training with the squad.

"I didn't know he could speak so well," Thompson said.

"He spoke from the heart about how much he'd let the place down and how sorry he was and how he wants to add something and give something back to the club and team. We're looking forward to it."

Stokes will strengthen an in-form Geelong attack.

Even with Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins kept goalless, the third tall forward, James Podsiadly, kicked five goals to take his tally in his debut season to an impressive 17 from five games.

Thompson was keen for the Cats to continue playing three big forwards and was also thrilled by the form of crumbing forward Travis Varcoe, who has electrified the forward line since overcoming a broken thumb.

Varcoe kicked three goals on Sunday and Thompson sensed the 22-year-old was quicker and attacked the ball harder than ever before.

"We missed him and we've missed Stokes, those small forwards, early in the year," he said.

"(Varcoe's) tackling pressure, the way he swoops on the ball, the way he kicks, he's becoming a really important player."

Geelong's only concern out of Sunday's game was the report of midfielder James Kelly, for engaging in rough conduct on Sydney's Kieren Jack.